Botswana Work Permit Photo Requirements and Guide
Get your Botswana work permit photo ready by following official rules for size, background, and printed submission.
Official Size and Guidelines
When you apply for a work permit in Botswana, the Department of Labour and Social Security requires you to submit physical passport-size photos[1]. The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for[1]. A common practical crop size used by studios is 35 by 45 millimeters, which equals about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Because the exact dimensions are not a published official specification, you should always confirm the required measurements directly with the issuing office before you print or submit your application[1]. Furthermore, specific facial dimensions like head height are not set by the authority[1]. Preparing a clean, clear photo that matches this common size helps you meet practical expectations.
Background and Lighting
Your photo must feature a plain white background[1]. Government instructions require passport-size photos on a white background, though they do not publish exact color codes or dimensions[1].
When you take your picture, find a bright room and stand near a window with soft, natural daylight to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Stand a short distance away from the wall so your body does not cast a dark shadow. Good lighting helps the office clearly see your facial features, skin tone, and contours without interference from dim lighting or colored backgrounds.
Printed Submission and Quantities
The work permit instructions request two passport-size photos[1]. They do not specify whether these must be printed or whether digital submissions are accepted.
Because you need physical prints, you must make sure your printed sheet matches the correct physical dimensions. You can use the tool above to crop your image and arrange it onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet for easy printing at a local shop or kiosk.
Taking Your Photo Step by Step
You can take your own photo at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Ask a trusted friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie, because holding the camera yourself often distorts your facial proportions and angles the lens incorrectly.
Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level, and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera. Look directly into the lens with a neutral, relaxed expression. Keep your mouth closed and your eyes open and clear so your entire face remains fully visible to the reviewer.
Glasses, Headwear, and Children
Official rules for glasses and headwear are unspecified by the authority for this Botswana permit[1]. However, it is generally best to remove your eyeglasses to prevent frame glare, tinted lenses, or flash reflections that can hide your eyes. If you wear headwear for religious or medical reasons, make sure it does not cast shadows across your face and leaves your face visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
For children, official guidelines note that no separate child photo specifications are found[1]. If you take a photo of an infant, lay them flat on a plain white sheet.
Preparing Your Print at Home
Once you capture a clear picture, you need to prepare it for physical printing. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the 35 by 45 millimeter size. The tool places your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch template that you can take to any local photo printing kiosk.
Print the sheet on standard photo paper using normal print settings without any color filters, borders, or automatic enhancements. Cut the two required photos carefully along the edges using a sharp pair of scissors or a clean paper cutter to keep the borders straight.
Avoiding Common Refusals
Even when you follow general photography guidelines, officials can refuse your photo for several common reasons. If your background is off-white, has shadows, or shows household objects behind you, the office may reject the application.
Blurry images, poor lighting, tilted head positions, or incorrect print dimensions also lead to refusals. Always double-check that your printed photos are sharp, clear, and match the two required copies before you send your final application packet to the Department of Labour and Social Security[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a Botswana work permit photo?
Do I need printed or digital photos?
You must submit physical, printed copies. The Department of Labour and Social Security requires two passport-size photos[1].
What color should the background be?
Government instructions require passport-size photos on a white background[1].
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
Glasses rules are unspecified by the authority[1], but it is safer to remove them to avoid glare.
Are there special photo rules for children?
No separate child photo specifications are found in the official guidelines[1].